Multi-phase township project set to transform Kunak
Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025
By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: Masidi operates an excavator during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kunak New Township development project on Thursday. KUNAK: The upcoming Kunak New Township project is expected to revitalise the local economy and reshape the industrial landscape of the district in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) strategic plan. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the multi-phase development, spanning five to 15 years, reflects investor readiness to carry out high-impact projects involving commercial, residential, and light industrial components. He expressed confidence the township would catalyse new economic activities and opportunities in Kunak, helping the area progress as other emerging townships have across Sabah. Speaking after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Masidi said the investors' decision to develop in Kunak demonstrates their commitment to enhancing Sabah's competitiveness. The site's strategic location near the Pan Borneo Highway and Jalan Kunak Spur is also expected to support tourism and attract more visitors to the district, which boasts a variety of natural attractions. The project, covering 107 acres, will include a transit-commercial zone with two-storey shop lots, a hypermarket, hotel, modern bus terminal, and other amenities; a residential zone with 288 terrace homes and 83 housing lots; and an industrial zone with 37 lots for light and medium industries. Masidi added that collaborative support from local leaders, district offices, and investors is crucial to realising Kunak's potential as a strategic development hub on Sabah's east coast. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
First one-stop labour centre launched in Sabah by KESUMA and HRD Corp
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) have launched the KESUMA Sabah One-Stop Labour Centre and HRD Corp Sabah Office at Sutera Avenue. This marks the first such integrated facility in the state, consolidating labour-related services for easier public access. HRD Corp stated that the centre will streamline employment services, skills development, workplace safety, and social protection. Located on Level 1, Block A, Sutera Avenue, it aims to simplify processes for both workers and employers. 'This includes coordinating functions such as job matching, training applications, union affairs, workplace safety advisory services, and legal dispute resolution,' the corporation said. The initiative is expected to enhance inter-agency coordination while supporting Sabah Maju Jaya and Malaysia MADANI agendas through inclusive human capital development. Human Resources Minister Datuk Steven Sim highlighted the centre's role in bringing services closer to the people via the 'no wrong door' policy. 'All worker-related matters, labour issues, training, and social protection are now available under one roof,' he said. Sim added that KESUMA plans to expand this pilot initiative nationwide as part of broader service restructuring for more efficient and people-friendly delivery. The centre houses multiple departments, including the Department of Labour, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Industrial Relations, and Sabah Industrial Court. Other agencies operating there include PERKESO, NIOSH, and the Skills Development Fund Corporation. - Bernama
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
First one-stop labour centre in Sabah to streamline employment and skills services
Sim (fourth left), Phoong (third right) and guests at the HRD Corp's Sabah office. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in collaboration with Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), today launched KESUMA Sabah State One-Stop Labour Centre and the HRD Corp Sabah Office at Sutera Avenue, Kota Kinabalu. The launch was officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim Chee Keong. The newly launched KESUMA Sabah State One-Stop Labour Centre brings together key labour-related services under one roof to enhance public access to employment, skills, safety and social protection services. This is the first one-stop centre of its kind launched in the state of Sabah, marking a significant milestone in the ministry's efforts to integrate and streamline labour services across the country. Departments and agencies operating at the KESUMA Sabah State One-Stop Labour Centre include: Department of Labour (JTK) Sabah; Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Sabah; Department of Industrial Relations (JPP) Sabah; Department of Trade Union Affairs (JHEKS) Sabah; Industrial Court of Sabah; Department of Skills Development (JPK) Sabah; Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Kota Kinabalu; Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) JTM Sandakan; Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Sabah; National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Sabah; Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK); HRD Corp Sabah. Located on Level 1 of Block A, Sutera Avenue, KESUMA Sabah State One-Stop Labour Centre aims to simplify processes for workers and employers in Sabah by streamlining functions such as job matching, training applications, union matters, workplace safety consultation and legal dispute resolution. This is expected to improve coordination across agencies, empower local talent and support the broader Sabah Maju Jaya and Malaysia MADANI agendas through inclusive and integrated human capital development. The HRD Corp Sabah Office is now fully equipped with a range of facilities, which include training rooms and seminar halls, to support learning, upskilling and professional growth for the people of Sabah. As part of the programme, invited guests toured the facility. 'The launch of the KESUMA Sabah State One-Stop Labour Centre and the HRD Corp Sabah Office reflects KESUMA's new approach in bringing our services closer to the people. Guided by the 'no wrong door policy', all matters related to workers, labour issues, training and social protection are now available under one roof,' said Sim in his speech. He added that this pilot initiative is expected to be expanded nationwide, as part of KESUMA's broader restructuring efforts to ensure more efficient, inclusive and people-friendly services. 'Through HRD Corp, employers can now utilise their training levy not only to enhance the skills of their workforce, but also to upgrade training infrastructure and hire apprentices,' Sim added. Meanwhile, in his speech, Chief Executive of HRD Corp, Dr Syed Alwi bin Mohamed Sultan stated that the relocation of HRD Corp's office to the new location is a strategic move to further strengthen HRD Corp's presence and services in Sabah, while bringing human capital development efforts closer to the local community. 'HRD Corp will continue its commitment to expanding opportunities for collaboration with strategic partners to ensure more people in Sabah, especially vulnerable groups can benefit from relevant and high-impact training opportunities,' he said. Also present at the event were the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Sabah, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe; Secretary General of KESUMA, Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof; Deputy Chairman of the Board of HRD Corp, Ahsim bin Haji Jamat; and HRD Corp's Board Member, Dato' Soon Lip Chee. Previous Article Over 60,000 union members in Sabah Next Article Sabah focuses on developing human capital, strengthening TVET
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah focuses on developing human capital, strengthening TVET
Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya (fifth from left) presenting the Malaysia Skills Diploma sponsorship to a student during the event. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 4): The State Government continues to focus on its human capital development agenda as the core in making Sabah a developed and competitive state, with specific emphasis on technical education and vocational training (TVET). Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said developing quality human capital with high skills is the most important long-term investment to ensure Sabah's youth can contribute directly to the state's economic growth. 'Sabah needs a local workforce that is not only highly educated but also skilled and ready to face the challenges of today's industry. 'That is why the State Government places serious emphasis on education and skills training through various initiatives,' he said at the Petronas 2025 Education Sponsorship Award presentation ceremony at the Magellan Sutera Resort here today. Hajiji expressed appreciation to Petronas for its continued commitment to developing human capital in Sabah through various quality education and skills training programs. 'The State Government, through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan 1.0, places serious emphasis on human capital development. I am confident that by investing in education and the development of Sabah's youth, Petronas also helps the state to build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive future. 'Through these ongoing efforts, we can see more children from Sabah entering the skills field, thus contributing to the development of this state,' he said. Hajiji added throughout the implementation of the SMJ Development Plan 1.0, the State Government has allocated RM1.33 billion to develop human capital, including RM848.26 million for education assistance and RM485 million specifically for talent and skills development programs. 'We do not want to just build buildings and infrastructure, what is more important is to build the capacity and quality of the people themselves,' he stressed. In efforts to empower the TVET sector, Hajiji said Sabah is now witnessing commendable development through the recognition of the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) as an accredited institution under the Code of Practice for TVET Programme Accreditation (COPTPA), he added. He said this recognition proves KTC's ability to provide high-quality training to meet the workforce needs of the industry, particularly in the oil and gas sector. 'A total of 20 new trainees will commence their Malaysia Skills Diploma program at KTC, marking the institution's capability to produce a skilled workforce for the booming oil and gas sector as well as other rapidly growing sectors,' he added. He said the State Government wants to see more Sabah youth engaging in the technical fields not only to meet the demands of traditional sectors such as construction and manufacturing but also to compete in new areas such as the digital economy, tourism, and modern agriculture. 'TVET is a key choice and pathway to a stable and high-value career in the future economy,' he stated. Hajiji also expressed appreciation to Petronas for its continuous commitment to support educational and training development in Sabah, including the Petronas Education Sponsorship Awards and Petronas Small Scholarships for high school students. 'Programs like this not only recognize students' efforts but also serve as a catalyst to motivate them to keep learning and succeed. Petronas is not only contributing to industry development but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Sabah,' he said. He hopes that Petronas-led education and training initiatives will continue to expand, in line with the State Government's commitment to prioritize human capital development as a long-term goal. 'I am confident that with a strong synergy between the State Government and the industrial sector, Sabah is on the right path to building a more resilient, inclusive, and competitive future,' he said.
